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How to Find SharePoint Tasks List and Create a Free Gantt Chart

Kushani Nimanthika Oct 19, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is looking to locate the classic SharePoint Tasks List template to manage project tasks and generate a Gantt chart.

How to Find the SharePoint Tasks List and Create a Free Gantt Chart

Product: Microsoft SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Managing project timelines and attempting to visualize task dependencies using a Gantt chart within a SharePoint environment.
Observed behavior: The classic SharePoint Tasks List template is missing from the modern SharePoint app store, even when the user switches to the classic experience view.

Before you start

Ensure you have Site Collection Administrator permissions in SharePoint, as you may need to add custom apps or import STP template files.

Solution 1Recommended

Locate or Import the Classic Tasks List Template (STP)

Use this method if your environment still supports classic apps and you need the traditional Tasks List with its built-in Gantt view.

Modern SharePoint sites often hide classic templates by default. However, you might still find the Tasks List in the classic app catalog, or you can import a list template file (.stp) if you can obtain one from an older site.

Access Site Contents

Navigate to your SharePoint site, click on the gear icon (Settings) in the top right corner, and select 'Site contents'.

Switch to Classic Experience

Click on 'New' and select 'App'. On the Apps page, click the 'classic experience' link (usually found at the bottom or top left) to view older templates.

Search for the Tasks App

Type 'Tasks' in the search bar. If the classic 'Tasks' app appears, click it, give your list a name, and click 'Create' to add the list to your site.

Import an STP File (If Missing)

If the app is entirely missing, obtain a Tasks List '.stp' file from a trusted classic site. Go to 'Site settings', select 'List templates' under Web Designer Galleries, upload the file, and then try adding the app again.

Locate or Import the Classic Tasks List Template (STP)

Admin Permissions Required: Importing custom STP files requires custom scripting to be enabled on your SharePoint tenant, which can only be done by a global or SharePoint administrator.

Solution 2

Use Microsoft Lists and Third-Party Gantt Tools

Ideal for modern SharePoint environments where classic templates are permanently disabled or deprecated.

Free Project Management Solution

Create Free Gantt Charts Easily with WPS Spreadsheet

Instead of struggling with missing SharePoint templates or complicated workarounds, you can easily create, manage, and share professional Gantt charts for free using WPS Spreadsheet's built-in premium templates.

1. Open WPS Spreadsheet: Launch WPS Office on your device and click on 'Spreadsheet' to create a new document.
2. Access the Template Library: Click on the 'Templates' tab on the homepage, or open a blank sheet and click 'Templates' in the ribbon menu.
3. Search for Gantt Charts: Type 'Gantt Chart' into the search bar to browse a wide variety of professionally designed project timeline templates.
4. Apply and Customize: Select a template that fits your project needs and click 'Use Now'. Enter your task names, start dates, and durations; the chart will automatically update to reflect your timeline.
5. Save and Share: Save your finished Gantt chart as an .xlsx document and share it seamlessly with your team.

Free access to high-quality Gantt chart and project management templatesFully compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) formats for easy sharingLightweight and runs smoothly on PC, Mac, and mobile devicesEasy offline editing without relying on complex SharePoint server settings

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Tasks List missing in modern SharePoint?

Microsoft has transitioned towards modern experiences like Microsoft Lists and Planner, gradually deprecating classic templates like the Tasks List from the default modern app store to encourage users to adopt the newer, cloud-integrated tools.

Can I still use STP files in SharePoint Online?

Yes, but it requires custom scripting to be enabled by your SharePoint administrator. This feature is often disabled by default in modern SharePoint Online environments for security reasons.

Is there a built-in Gantt chart view in Microsoft Lists?

As of recent updates, Microsoft Lists does not feature a native, classic Gantt chart view by default. Users typically need to rely on Board views, JSON formatting workarounds, or external third-party tools to generate true Gantt charts.

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